Robotics is the future!
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With rapid development in both robotics and AI over the last few years, it is almost certain now that we will have robots doing most of our work for us in the next 20-50 years.
There are massive franchises that have been built around all-powerful robots (think Iron Man, Transformers, Star Wars, and many others!). All of this promotion leads teenagers and kids to become interested in robots.
That's an excellent thing! It helps pique their interest in understanding robots. And what can be better than to build one with your own hands!
What Kids Can Learn From Robotics
Designing robots and assembling parts enhances perseverance and problem-solving skills. Coding them to act helps develop logic and math. Operating a robot teaches basic concepts of mechanics and understanding of laws of motion as well.
Interestingly, robotics is not just about math and science. Studies (source) have shown that it can even encourage soft skills. Skills like creativity and teamwork, communication, and management skills are essential for any profession. Robotics can be a fantastic way to help your teenager pick these up early as a group activity.
In this article, we will talk about the best robotics kits for teens. If you are looking for just a single recommendation, we suggest the ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Smart Robot Car Kit. It's easy to assemble, design, and has a very user-friendly interface controlled with your smartphone.
OUR TOP PICK
Introduce your teenage kids to the world of robots and engineering by giving them ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Smart Robot Car Kit. The kit's overall design supports your child's cognitive development and will keep him/her curious and engaged for long hours. Having various hands-on controllers, sensors, and Arduino will help them learn engineering through fun.
Features and benefits
- Hands-on programming: this STEM kit contains all the necessary components required to make a great robot. Kids can quickly follow the explicit instructions to design and program a personalized robotic car. This will help your child get a knowledge of the basics of programming and problem-solving.
- Re-designed interfaces: every component has a very user-friendly interface and has a minimalist design that can be easily implemented. The expansion board is re-designed to have extra pins that support sensors and other cables to help your child make his personalized robot.
- Obstacle avoidance technology: all the components use the latest technological techniques. You can add various ultrasonic sensors to the robotic car, which will make it detect obstacles ahead of it. The sensors will send waves and calculate the distance to avoid any obstacle.
- Infrared technology: the robot or robotic car has components that support infrared technology using an infrared transmitter tube and an infrared receiver tube. This will excite your child as he will be able to track the line of motion.
Why should you buy it?
This robotic car kit is an integrated solution for all the robot enthusiast teenagers out there. This will develop their interest in robotics, programming, and engineering at an early age. Designing and programming robots will help in improving their logical reasoning skills and enhance their creativity.
EDITORS CHOICE
KIDWELL 13-in-1 Educational Solar Robot Kit is a DIY battery-operated puzzle kit for teenagers to explore the world of robots and science. All the robots which can be designed will operate on solar power and are thus environment friendly. The kit contains 261 parts and pieces which can be used to make exciting robots. This educational activity will help in building manipulative ability and improve hand-eye coordination.
Features and benefits
- Multiple designs: your kid will be amazed to build 13 different designs of robots. From running beetle to walking crab, the sky's the limit for your kid's imagination. All the essential accessories are included to give the robot a realistic look to move on land and water.
- Solar powered: the kit contains a solar panel that can be fitted on the top of the robot to utilize solar energy from the sun. Kids can learn various concepts behind solar power and electric energy used in such devices. For all other cases, you can operate the robot with a battery too.
- Promotes cognitive development: creating and designing robots is a STEM activity that enhances creativity, logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and collaborative ability. While assembling the pieces and following the instructions, your child learns a lot about science, robotics, and various engineering concepts.
- Easy to follow instructions: your child can easily make various robots by following the assembly booklet's instructions. The instructions are very simple.
Why should you buy it?
KIDWELL 13-in-1 Educational Solar Robot Kit is a perfect way to develop a kid's interest in robotics and engineering. This STEM kit aims at making learning fun. Your child can explore and make his designs with the given parts and accessories. The quality ABS material parts will remain durable and kids safe.
BEST VALUE
4M Kidzlabs Robotic Hand Kit revolves around the concept of mechanics and science to design and make a functioning artificial robotic hand. This kit will provide the young mind with a hands-on way to learn, innovate, and create robotic hands, functioning in a very realistic manner.
Features and benefits
- Artificial robotic hand: this kit aims at opening up the imagination of young minds so that they can discover the science behind moving hands. A fully functioning model of an artificial robotic hand with articulated fingers can be made using the parts given in this kit. The hand will look as realistic as a real one and will have the same grip and motion. Kids can pull the fingers inward for curling action.
- Opens-up imagination: this robotic hand kit will keep your kids engaged in productive play and allow them to explore and discover various concepts involved in the movement of hands and robots' working. This will enhance their knowledge in the subjects of robotics and sciences.
- No batteries: this robotic hand will require no batteries to function. Just by assembling the kit's parts, one can easily make a functioning hand with a realistic grip. You can pull the cords to obtain various gripping actions.
- Easy to follow instructions: this kit comes with a detailed assembly instruction booklet which contains easy to understand instructions. One can quickly go through the steps and make the desired robotic hand.
Why should you buy it?
4M Kidzlabs Robotic Hand Kit is ideal for all the science enthusiasts out there. It is a perfect way of engaging kids in some productive activity that will enhance their robotics skills and knowledge. The fully functional robotic hand will make the kids wonderstruck.
RUNNER UP
POKONBOY Building Blocks Robot Kit is a battery-operated DIY robot building kit. Once the robot is designed, you can control it with a remote controller from a distance of almost 800 inches / 20 meter.
Its high simulation pedrail design is highly flexible and can be used for indoor and outdoor play. This educational kit aims to improve the motor skills and hand-eye coordination of your child.
Features and benefits
- High-quality blocks: this robot building kit comprises various parts and blocks which can be joined in multiple orientations to make a robot. All these blocks and pieces are made from high-quality and non-toxic ABS plastic material, which are safe for kids and have smooth edges. Children will learn the art of designing, and creating while having hands-on building blocks at their disposal.
- Dual remote control: your child can control the robot with the given remote controller and install the app. The app control has four primary modes, including STEM programming, voice control and recognition, path pattern tracking, and Gravity sensing operation.
- Enhances various skills: with this exciting activity, your child will get to learn and absorb a lot of new things. This STEM activity will also enhance their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, social competence, and divergent thinking. All these skills are essential for your child's overall personality development.
- Detailed instructions booklet: this robotic kit also contains a detailed instruction booklet that has 49 pages. This instruction guide will help your child build his robot quickly as it consists of easy to understand instructions.
Why should you buy it?
POKONBOY Building Blocks Robot Kit is a STEM toy that aims to make kids learn some simple concepts through various fun activities. Your child can design and create the robot of his choice by using various high-quality blocks and by following the simple instructions given in the booklet. This activity will keep your kids engaged for long hours and will also boost their skills.
RUNNER UP
This smart video car kit is an open-source robot designing kit that works on Raspberry Pi's latest technology and has a well-constructed design. All the parts have a user-friendly interface and don't require implicit coding to function. Young kids will feel excited to have this robot kit as kids can make their own car and control it real-time.
Features and benefits
- Latest technology features: this DIY car kit includes all the necessary components, including motor drivers, PWM driver, battery holder, and USB camera to maximize innovation. Kids can use python code to make the car function and move.
- Multi-type device remote control: one can control the robotic car with a smartphone, tablet, and PC. The apps need to be installed for control and viewing the car's image in real-time. Alternatively, you can also control the car through the web-browser. The USB camera can be positioned to transmit real-time images on the user's PC or mobile.
- Real-time video transmission: the USB web camera has a wide range that can cover wide-angles while functioning. The real-time video and images can be seen on the PC or mobile phone, remotely controlling the car.
- Perfect way to learn coding: it is a perfect way to introduce young teenagers to the world of electronics and coding. A simple python code is given along with the car kit, which can be made to run. To start from basics, your child can also use Dragit to program and debug. Dragit requires the user to drag and drop the complex coding functions.
Why should you buy it?
SunFounder Smart Video Car Kit V2.0 Pixar-V Robot Kit is the perfect way for young kids to learn electronics and programming basics. The feature of real-time image and video transmission will leave your kids amazed. One can follow simple codes to make the car function or use Dragit - a graphical visual programming language that uses drag and drop of complex functions.
RUNNER UP
Makeblock DIY Ultimate Robot Kit is an ideal choice of STEM toy for all young scientists out there. It will enhance your child's knowledge of mechanics, robotics, electronic modules, and programming. Your child will enjoy having his hands on such an advanced robot building kit as it consists of 160 parts and pieces.
Features and benefits
- Programming skills: your child doesn't have to be an expert in programming as this robot kit allows him to explore coding from a beginner's level. He/she can use drag and drop coding options during the early learning stages. However, all other programming languages such as Arduino IDE, Python, and NodeJS are also supported.
- Build customized robots: having 160+ mechanical parts and modules, your child can innovate and create his customized robots. These parts include the MegaPi mainboard, motors, sensors, and much more. All these modules leave your child with limitless possibilities to explore and discover various concepts of robotics.
- High compatibility: the MegaPi mainboard is the main component of this robotic kit. This part is highly compatible as it works equally with Raspberry Pi and Arduino as well. Its excellent motor and extensibility allow the users to create various 3D models and robots.
- 10-in-1 robot: this robotic kit will provide your child with limitless possibilities for designing and making robots. With so many modules and parts, one can make multiple robots, including a self-balancing robot, rolling tank, 3D capture B, 3D capture A, and much more.
Why should you buy it?
Makeblock DIY Ultimate Robot Kit allows your child's imagination to go wild as one can make multiple robots using this kit. It is not essential to have a programming experience, as your child can easily use the drag and drop functions at an early stage. The central controller board is highly compatible and can be used with Arduino and Raspberry Pi as well.
Buyers Guide
Multiple Designs
Look for robotic kits which allow kids to design and create multiple types of robots. This will open up their imagination and will also enhance their creativity and motor skills. Having their hands on such an activity, they will absorb some knowledge of robotics, engineering, and science.
High-Quality Blocks
Such activity kits are often found to have blocks and parts which have inferior quality and sharp edges. Choose the kits with blocks and parts made of high-quality, non-toxic material as it may hamper your kid's safety.
Easy To Follow Instructions
All such STEM toys should have easy to understand and explicit instructions. The kids themselves can easily read such instructions without any adult supervision. Also, the instructions booklet should contain proper steps and pictures to design the desired robot.
FAQs
Does Using Robotic Kits Require Expertise In Programming?
No. The robot building kits designed for young kids and teenagers contain a detailed instruction booklet that provides coded programs for running the robots. In many cases, your child can make use of drag and drop coding functions too.
What Skills Can Get Enhanced By Using These Robot Building Kits?
These robot building kits are a type of STEM toys that help in the child's cognitive development. Such DIY project kits help enhance creativity, logical skills, problem-solving skills, and motor skills.
How Are These Robot Building Kits Beneficial For The Future?
Introducing kids to robots and robot-building activities at an early age helps develop their interest in science and engineering. They also learn basic robotics, electronics, and programming, which help them in their future careers.
Wrap Up
Robotics is an activity that encourages many skills for teenagers. Apart from many scientific and mathematical skills, it can be a great group activity for children at the cusp of adulthood.
In our opinion, the ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Smart Robot Car Kit is the best choice among the various options that we have considered because it is easy to assemble and helps kids understand many basic robotic movements. Such as obstacle avoidance and tracing a straight line. You can easily control the final product with an app-based interface.
The KIDWILL 13-in-1 Educational Solar Robot Kit is our next best choice because of its large variety of movements. It also helps introduce the concept of clean energy to your child.
If you are looking for a value for money option, you can also consider the 4M Kidzlabs Robotic Hand Kit, which is a great toy at a very reasonable price point.
As a parent of a five-year-old inquisitive boy, I have gained a lot of experience finding fun activities and toys to help him understand science and understanding our world in general. On this blog, you’ll find an extensive amount of tutorials, guides, and toys about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math based on my personal experience to help your child develop critical STEM skills.
